Best breed for a novice dog owner

Ellie2758

What is the easiest dog to get if you have no experience of owning one? I've noticed that all the dog books mention that Cavalier King Charles spaniels are very good for beginners. I like the look of them but I'm worried about their disposition to heart problems. Anybody got any tips? Which dogs bark the least, are easiest to train, etc

Eels100

Cavaliers do have a really nice temperament but as you mention, they are prone to numerous health problems.

Personally I recommend everyone in the world has a sighthound of some sort, they make brilliant pets, and I find them really easy (mainly because I work and so wouldn't have time to devote to a Collie, Spaniel or Retriever breed).

I think if you tell us more about your lifestyle and household it'll be easier to suggest breeds or types which would suit you.

candygirl

No dogs are easy if you are a novice with them, and depending on whether you get a pup or adult dog you wont be able to leave it alone for a while.I've had a collie cross, labs and i now have 2 staffies and to be honest the staffies have been the easiest to train.Although i loved the others they were all chewers if left alone at all. If you go on https://www.champdogs.co.uk you can get lots of good advice!Good luck :beer: :beer:

loopylew_3

It's noteasy but if you're serious and committed it's well worth it. I have a Cavalier and I looked into it for months before buying her and she's great! Fun, always friendly, follows me everywhere - even to the loo! She NEVER barks (though my neighbours has one that does!!) and she is just beautiful. Very suitable as a 1st dog though there are other breeds suitable, too. Not so good to have a Cav puppy if you have small children though as they are quite small and delicate and don't take too kindly to being tugged and trodden on. One bit of advice if you're new to dogs - enrol yourself in a puppy class, ask your local vet to recommend one not only will you and your dog learn and bond but you get as much free advice as you like off dog lovers. It's fun, too! Costs around 3-5 pound a week but it's well worth it. Other than that go to the dog pound and get yourself a stray, they'll team you up with a suitable friend and they'll already be housebroken - always a bonus!!

Keith

We got our 1st dog, 2 months ago, a rescue staffie. He trained straight away to use a crate and happily sleeps in it whilst we are out.

He needs an hour of walking morning and night and will play all evening, but will trot off to bed at 10.30 each night, he hates getting up at 5am for walks!

He is doing well with training.

loopylew_3

Forgot to mention about Cavs and heart problems - Many thorough bred breeds have health problems just make sure you use a reputable breeder, so buy from a home not a puppy farm and remember unfortunatley you get what you pay for some people churn out pups for the money and don't care for the dogs so if you think you're getting a 'bargain' dog u probably ain't"!
You can ask breeders for evidence of health checks and serious reuputable breeders will be more than happy to show you - another cav problem is blindness so ask for eye tests too

JennyW_2

Ellie2758 wrote: »

What is the easiest dog to get if you have no experience of owning one? I've noticed that all the dog books mention that Cavalier King Charles spaniels are very good for beginners. I like the look of them but I'm worried about their disposition to heart problems. Anybody got any tips? Which dogs bark the least, are easiest to train, etc

your best bet would be to go to your local rescue centre and let them know of your concerns. It's more about suiting the dog to you and your circumstances. Don't think there's such a thing as "which dog barks the least" - they all bark, however some are more yappy than others. I have a collie and a greyhound. I hav both ends of the scale. The collie is incredibly intelligent, a great guard dog and my best friend whilst my greyhound will sleep for England and doesn't look for attention, she's quite happy to lie on her bed and let the world go by :rotfl:

By the way, I don't advise a puppy if you are a novice. They will require lots of attention and training and if you work all day, it cant be left unattended for hours.

fruitbat_2

Any pedigree will be susceptible to various health problems - cross breeds won't have particular illnesses they're genetically prone to, but that doesn't mean they're likely to get ill.
If you've not had a dog before I would seriously recommend you 'borrow' one from a close friend/relative, for a couple of weeks, maybe when they go on holiday - this will help you to experience getting up early for walks, cleaning up poo, and thinking about your lifestyle and whether there's room in it for a dog. If after that you're still keen please consider a rescue dog - they don't all have personality problems which lead to their being rehomed, there are many which you will be able to at least get an idea of their personality, exercise needs, maximum size they'll grow to etc, if you know what breeds they're crosses of, they're cheaper to insure, and you won't have to go through the puppy pooing and chewing stage.
Any dog will make a wonderful companion and quickly become an important and much loved family member, so unless you want one as some kind of status symbol the breed shouldn't matter.

getcarter

Big shouts for the rescue dog, had mine 2 weeks, hard work but love him to bits!!

JennyW_2

fruitbat wrote: »

Any pedigree will be susceptible to various health problems - cross breeds won't have particular illnesses they're genetically prone to, but that doesn't mean they're likely to get ill.
If you've not had a dog before I would seriously recommend you 'borrow' one from a close friend/relative, for a couple of weeks, maybe when they go on holiday - this will help you to experience getting up early for walks, cleaning up poo, and thinking about your lifestyle and whether there's room in it for a dog. If after that you're still keen please consider a rescue dog - they don't all have personality problems which lead to their being rehomed, there are many which you will be able to at least get an idea of their personality, exercise needs, maximum size they'll grow to etc, if you know what breeds they're crosses of, they're cheaper to insure, and you won't have to go through the puppy pooing and chewing stage.
Any dog will make a wonderful companion and quickly become an important and much loved family member, so unless you want one as some kind of status symbol the breed shouldn't matter.

:T couldn't agree more.

Both mine are rescues and I would do it again. Rescue doesn't mean problem dogs, 9 of out 10 they are there because they are unwanted

It's great advice from fruitbat. Too many doggies get returned because people dont realise what a commitment they are. Saying that though, I'd never be without mine :smileyhea

springchicken

I would heartily recommend a shih-tzu.
Had mine(Bella) for 2 years now and would not be without her.
I was also considering a king Charles too and was told shih-tzus have very similar temparaments.
They are wonderful dogs for a novice owner (Bella is my first),great companions ,easy to train (v.intelligent ) and a lovely compact size .
But in the end every dog is wonderful and will become a much valued family member !!